HEPES is a zwitterionic organic chemical buffering agent, and is widely used in cell culture, largely because it is better at maintaining physiological pH despite changes in carbon dioxide concentration (produced by cellular respiration) when compared to bicarbonate buffers, which are also commonly used in cell culture. HEPES is like water in that its dissociation decreases as the temperature decreases. This makes HEPES a more effective buffering agent for maintaining enzyme structure and function at low temperaturesSynonyms: 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid